Devon Guild of Craftsmen
In 1955 the Guild was founded by furniture-maker Edward Baly who lived in Devon and a group of enthusiastic people who wanted to promote the best in local craft work. For many years the group worked together on hand-making and activities helping to sell original craft work - including the annual summer crafts exhibition, annual seminar and an autumn social. Riverside Mill in Bovey Tracey was purchased in 1986 and the Guild began employing professional staff to manage the newly registered charity. From an original membership of just 18 the Devon Guild of Craftsmen has now grown to a membership of over 240 of the finest makers in the South West, an Associate Members scheme for makers starting out plus over 400 supporters as Friends.
The Devon Guild of Craftsmen is a leading national educational charity. It is also one of the UK’s most acclaimed exhibition and retail spaces for contemporary craft. The Devon Guild of Craftsmen is an educational charity which seeks to inform and inspire all ages with an exciting programme of talks, workshops, exhibitions and residencies.
Big Hand, Little Hand is The Devon Guild’s residency scheme which places makers and artists in South West schools and colleges. These hands-on workshop residencies use practicing makers to help children of all ages have fun while learning about craft and design.
The Devon Guild of Craftsmen is an acclaimed exhibition space for contemporary craft and design as well as a leading charity for craft education in the South West region. Located in Bovey Tracey, this large craft centre offers inspiring exhibitions, events and opportunities for people to buy, make and learn about contemporary craft.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Opening hours:
Riverside Mill opens 7 days a week, 10am - 5.30pm (The Terrace café closes at 5pm between November and February.)
There is free admission to all facilities.
Riverside Mill is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Directions:
The Devon Guild is situated beside the River Bovey in the Riverside Mill, at the lower end of Bovey Tracey town centre.
Bovey Tracey itself is just 15 miles south west of Exeter, approximately 2 miles off the A38 Expressway to Plymouth.
After leaving the A38 at the Bovey Tracey exit, follow directions to the town centre (there are also brown tourist signs)
Parking:
Two pay and display car parks are situated very close to the Devon Guild; on Station Road (where the Tourist Information kiosk is sited) and on Le Molay-Littry Way.
There is one parking space for disabled-badge permit holders at the adjacent Riverside Inn pub and there is also ramped access from the Le Molay-Littry Way car park to the Devon Guild.
Transport:
The nearest train station is at Newton Abbot (7 miles away). Train times can be checked with National Rail Enquiries
The number 39 bus runs to Bovey Tracey from Exeter and Newton Abbot.
The Terrace
Open 7 days a week 10am - 5.30pm
(Until 5pm November to February)
The Devon Guild of Craftsmen,
Riverside Mill,
Bovey Tracey,
evon TQ13 9AF
EVENTS:
Visit to Art in Action, Oxfordshire
SUNDAY 18 JULY 2010 8am-8pm
Join us on a bus trip to Art in Action set in the beautiful grounds of Waterperry House with over 250 demonstrators from a wide range of disciplines including painting, sculpture, drawing, ceramics and textiles. Be prepared to be surprised, even overwhelmed, by the scale and creativity on display.
Tea Ceremony
TUESDAY 27 JULY 2010
As part of Yakimono2 , on this day you will have the chance to attend a Japanese Tea Ceremony. Up to three people can attend each ceremony in the afternoon. Six ceremonies in total.
Japanese Pottery Masterclass
THURSDAY 29 JULY 2010 10am -4pm
Meet the potters from Yakimono on 29 July and learn their craft at Rattery Village Hall.
Visit to John Makepeace's house and Montacute House
WEDNESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2010 9am-6pm
John Makepeace, the renowned furniture maker, will open the doors to his home and gardens in Dorset and give a short introduction to his work. Afterwards we will visit Montacute House and gardens (National Trust) and enjoy a guided tour of the house.
Big Draw Event
THURSDAY 28 OCTOBER 2010 11am-4pm
Join us for a family all day 'drop-in and draw' event in the Craft Focus room.
Visit to Made by Hand, Tredegar House, Newport, Wales
SUNDAY 5 DECEMBER 2010 9am-6.30pm
Visit to the new craft fair Made by Hand - a wonderful opportunity to meet and buy directly from 135 of the UK's finest designer makers in a festive and historical setting. You can wander the main mansion house, stable blocks, the Orangery and formal gardens of the Renaissance mansion and watch craftspeople demonstrating their skills.
Facilities and exhibitions are FREE and open 7 days a week from 10am - 5.30pm
All events are open to the public and held at Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey unless stated.